The
town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762.With the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Referred to as the venice of the east by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life.
By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.
Today, Alappuzha (Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, & also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
Places To See in Alleppey
Alappuzha beach :
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
The Vijaya beach park: Picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities (Open 1500 - 2000 hrs). Entrance fee Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for 10 minutes.
Other facilities for children: Toy train, bicycles, Video permit Rs. 25, Camera
permit: Rs. 5 respectively.Sea View Park :
The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minutes: Roundboat (4 seater): Rs. 10 Pedalboat (2 seater): Rs. 15 Pedalboat (4 seater): Rs. 25. Video permit Rs. 15, Camera permit Rs. 100 respectively.
Champakulam Church :
One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas. The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha):
According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).
This little island on
the
backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different
parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and
is accessible only by boat. Kuttanad :
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam.
This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (32 km south of Alappuzha):
Situated near Harippad, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a brahman family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim centre dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja.
It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed diety is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
